Breast Cancer - Types & Stages

The Different Types and Stages of Breast Cancer

At our Phoenix breast cancer treatment center, we’ve served patients with all types and in all stages of the disease. Because not every tumor is cancerous, it is vital that we customize your treatment plan to the exact nature of your cancer. Let’s go over the different types and stages you should know.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are two main types: invasive (spread beyond the initial tumor) and non-invasive (no spreading). Here is the breakdown:

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Accounting for 80 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses, IDC begins with a tumor in the milk ducts or lobules and spreads to other parts of the breast. It can eventually spread throughout the body via lymph nodes.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Only about 10 percent of invasive breast cancer cases involve ILC, and it may be more common in women older than 60 who used hormone therapy during menopause.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ: Although this is a non-invasive type of breast cancer, if left untreated it could develop into breast cancer.

Lobular Carcinoma in Situ: Abnormal cells in the lobules of the breast can cause future problems if not treated properly.